23 Oct. 1994. Denver Broncos Linebacker Karl Mecklenburg (77) on the field during a game against the San Diego Chargers played at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, CA. (John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
"Russell Wilson isn’t a leader," he tweeted. "The foolishness that went on in his first year at Denver with a private coach, his own office at the facility, and family at training camp when other players didn’t have those privileges, proved his self centeredness."
Mecklenberg is one of many who believe Wilson's time in Denver was a major disappointment. He lasted just two seasons with the organization after signing a massive $242-plus million contract over five years following the blockbuster trade with the Seattle Seahawks.
However, the marriage didn't last long as Mecklenberg pointed out the reports coming out of Denver in his first year, and things got even worse when Sean Payton joined as head coach in 2023.
BRONCOS TO RELEASE RUSSELL WILSON AFTER 2 SEASONS
"We spoke with Russell Wilson today to inform him of his release after the start of the league year," general manager George Paton and head coach Sean Payton said in a joint statement. "On behalf of the Broncos, we thank Russell for his contributions and dedication to our team and community while wishing him the best as he continues his career."
"As we move forward, we are focused on building the strongest team possible for the 2024 season and beyond. We are excited to improve this offseason and will have the flexibility to get better through the draft and free agency."
Wilson would lose his starting role in 2023 to Jarrett Stidham despite having a crucial win over the eventual Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs to keep the Broncos in playoff contention.
It was a situation that involved Wilson's lucrative contract, where the Broncos wanted amended language and the Super Bowl-winning quarterback didn't oblige.
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) comes off the field after losing to the New England Patriots 26-23 at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday December 24, 2023. (Andy Cross/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
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As for the Broncos, they could look at someone like Kirk Cousins in free agency before thinking about the NFL Draft, where they have the 12th overall pick.
Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.
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